Is Rolex exclusive or not?

[toph]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Just out of curiosity Toph, where did the 6 billion figure come from?

According to your figures there would be less than one Rolex bought per year in my City. Context is everything??

Eddie
6 billion is the population of the world

[TempoKing]

Personally I do not care about stats and figures, numbers are good for the accountants that run Rolex S.A.

The reason I say that Rolex watches are exclusive is because they are used as vehicles of easily identifiable wealth...everyone and their mother knows that you have spend between 5,000 and 30,000 dollars just to tell the time...God knows..(they are thinking) what you have spend for your car and home...the two most important purchases in the American psyche.

[Gil F.]

Originally Posted by C. Davidson

Absolutely true. A major reason for the economic slump the USA is going through now.

I call BS on this one. A major reason we're going through the economic slump is that the U.S. hardly manufactures anything anymore; we are highly dependent on foreign sources for electronics, fuel, food, and textiles; and the corporations here finally got caught with their pants down for creative accounting and bad bets.

Most of the working poor either here don't have health insurance or have inadequate insurance (50%); and many people are charging health costs and FOOD on their credit cards to pay for them ... take a look at the two biggest reasons for consumer bankruptcy sometime. Some frivolousness exists, of course, but don't minimize the legitimate pain many people are going through in this country just because you're above it.

[Trurolexer]

Very exclusive...For me...

[Flash Gordon]

Rolex was never that exclusive unless you are talking about in the 40's through 60's. I bought my TT DJ in 1976 when I was an expat in Singapore for about US$750. Even at that time, Rolex was not exclusive in Singapaore and Hong Kong. I mean even hawkers in Singapore were wearing Rolex! It was somewhat exclusive in the US in the 70's. I remember vividly a person sat across from me on a flight in the US stared at the watch from time to time. And in Vegas still in the 70's, a person came up to me and asked whether I was wearing a Rolex (the TT DJ is really a very reconizable classic). With the fake Rolex and the copy of Rolex by many cheaper watch makers, increasing wealth, and the HUGE amount of watches made by Rolex annually, Rolex is a somewhat overpriced mass produced watch. People willing to pay for it because Rolex sure knows how to market its brand better than any other premium watch makers!

[LuvMyRolex]

Some people buy a Ferrari because it says Ferrari and some buy a Ferrari because they like the engineering and history of the marque. Same goes for Rolex. As already pointed out, there are lots more exclusive watchmakers out there. Trouble is (depending on your perspective), the general public won't recognize a JLC, PP or Roger Dubuis, for example, even though they can cost so much more than a Rolex. If you want a more exclusive watch, by another brand. Just don't expect people to notice. As for people who buy on credit, so what?

[Nigel Tufnel]

Originally Posted by C. Davidson

Absolutely true. A major reason for the economic slump the USA is going through now.

Er.....what? The "slump" is driven by the combination of 1) a lack of consumer credit (home mortgages), LESS consumer spending, not more, which is a result of the recent spike in oil prices, and silly notion that we can export our manufacturing base off shore, leaving a work force here that isn't educated enough to create a service economy. By your logic, the recent federal tax rebate, which was designed to do exactly what you are criticizing, i.e., blindly spend your check, was wrong. Yes, it did result in increased economic activity in the short run, but I disapprove of it for other reasons.

[toph]

Originally Posted by Gil F.

I call BS on this one. A major reason we're going through the economic slump is that the U.S. hardly manufactures anything anymore; we are highly dependent on foreign sources for electronics, fuel, food, and textiles; and the corporations here finally got caught with their pants down for creative accounting and bad bets.

Most of the working poor either here don't have health insurance or have inadequate insurance (50%); and many people are charging health costs and FOOD on their credit cards to pay for them ... take a look at the two biggest reasons for consumer bankruptcy sometime. Some frivolousness exists, of course, but don't minimize the legitimate pain many people are going through in this country just because you're above it.

Originally Posted by Nigel Tufnel

Er.....what? The "slump" is driven by the combination of 1) a lack of consumer credit (home mortgages), LESS consumer spending, not more, which is a result of the recent spike in oil prices, and silly notion that we can export our manufacturing base off shore, leaving a work force here that isn't educated enough to create a service economy. By your logic, the recent federal tax rebate, which was designed to do exactly what you are criticizing, i.e., blindly spend your check, was wrong. Yes, it did result in increased economic activity in the short run, but I disapprove of it for other reasons.

I agree with you guys. BUT there is another major factor. Banks were lending (here in the UK) £200, 000 to people for a house who earn £20-£30000 (pre tax) a year with no deposit. The same was happening in the USA. Most of this is bad debt as these people cannot afford a house like that and can never pay it off. All the banks jumped on the bandwagon and they were are trading these worthless outstanding loans. As soon as someone went no thanks these debts are worthless then the bubble burst. It is there own fault for lending to people incapable of repaying the money. Very irresponsible and this was bound to happen

[padi56]

Right guys lets get back on topic this thread is about Rolex exclusive or not,and not about consumer credit,bad debt etc

[GoldenBear]

No, it is not exclusive but that isn't a bad thing. There are far fewer people out there that can truly afford them than you think. The market and financial meltdown is evidence of what happens when people and companies over extend themselves. They are great watches and I never cared if they were exclusive or not.

[Brcmpbl]

Let's be serious, Rolex is a mass producer of watches, always will be.

[Rolexitis]

I don't know but I sure do love my Sub !

[clbcpa]

I think this is two different questions...

1. I dont think Rolex is "exclusive" if your definition of exclusive means affordability because using that definition would mean that people who had to use credit to purchase wouldnt have enought credit to do so (ie.. if you have to ask the price you cant afford it! )AND there would not be the constant hunger for a new purchase discount on its forums!) I think Patek is more exclusive along that definition line.

2. On raising prices to become more exclusive... I dont think this is the business model Rolex has established because of the number of watches they produce annually compared to other manufacturers (yes.. that means they produce to many to be exclusive)ie. Rolexes business model is to produce a quality distinctive timepiece. Not exclusivity..

[Jimbits76]

Does it really matter??????????

I couldn't give a rat's ass whether they are "exclusive" or not.

I like my watches and was happy to pay the required funds...I couldn't give a toss who else has them or whether people like them!

It's questions like this that pidgeonhole Rolex wearers as the 80's archetype yuppie snob!

J

[DSJ]

I voted "not sure" because the only limitation of exclusivity is price. Not because of other difficulty in obtaining or limited production.

[James T]

Originally Posted by mretzloff

Nothing is exclusive anymore. Anyone can buy anything with credit.

exactly

[Doug507]

Originally Posted by Flash Gordon

With the fake Rolex and the copy of Rolex by many cheaper watch makers, increasing wealth, and the HUGE amount of watches made by Rolex annually, Rolex is a somewhat overpriced mass produced watch. People willing to pay for it because Rolex sure knows how to market its brand better than any other premium watch makers!

Very, very ture. I would, however, change "somewhat overpriced" to "very overpriced." But I sure do love my sub, even with its crappy bracelet.

[BigHat]

As they say, "It's all been said, but not everyone has said it."

[simoesm]

Originally Posted by ingoodtime

[...] No, a Rolex is not just about the money, it is also about the state of mind.

I tottaly agree with Ingoodtime. It is all about a state of mind...

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by astcell

No one cares if you have a Seiko, Bulova, Movado, or Timex. The only things that really get eyeball attention are Rolex and Suunto.

hahaha...If the only thing about you that catches people's eyes is a Rolex, then I am truly sorry to hear that. But hey if I guess they are that superficial, and you actually care what they think.....

[Goodwatch]

It all depends on your definition of exclusivity. But before I continue, I don’t really care. Wearing a Rolex doesn’t make me a better or worse person and in the eyes of some it makes me a pompous git.

There are several levels of exclusivity and Hans Wilsdorf was the P.T. Barnum of the watch world. He managed to transform an arguably good mechanical watch brand, but with products that aren’t exactly earth-shattering, into one of the most coveted watch brands in the world. Creating an aura of exclusivity. In that respect they are exclusive but this is pure marketing. Marketing so well executed that it is from another planet but marketing nevertheless.

The second level of exclusivity is the price levels at which Rolex keeps its products. Not quite unobtainable but just expensive enough to keep them out of the hands of the unwashed masses. Hence the colossal amount of fakes, Rolex are without a doubt the most copied brand in the world.

A third level there is not. There are too many watches produced to make them rare and although the products themselves are certainly well made, Rolex still lacks the refinement to place them in the same league as e.g. Patek or Lange.

This is not intended as a put-down for Rolex because I think they make the most beautiful and iconical sports watch in the world but this exclusivity is the result of a very well executed marketing effort.

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

Sounds like somebody is feeling better than everyone else. Glad you like your watch but Rolex ownership doesn't make anyone better than anyone else and if it upsets you that even the lowly common man can afford a Rolex if he really wants to then you're going to have to elevate your social status using something else.

OMG! A voice of reason! There is no room for that here on this thread!
We are better than everyone else because we own Rolex watches. It is that simple!

[Rawhyde]

I don't know if a Rolex is an exclusive watch and I don't care.

I care that they ACTUALLY WORK. Rolex is the only brand of watch I've ever owned that has survived more than a year. I appreciate the craftsmanship and history of Rolex watches, and I like the styling (except for the few hideous ones).

I don't wear a Rolex to impress the neighbors, women, coworkers, or even passersby. I wear them because I like them. My first Rolex was an Air King. Yes, the self same lowly Air King that some pretentious snobs think doesn't even deserve to be sold in vending machines. I have had 18 years of flawless service out of it, and I like it even though it's the bottom of the range model.

If you want to impress someone, accomplish something significant. If you want a good watch, get a Rolex (even an Air King or Explorer I).

[ShawnK]

Originally Posted by Rolex_07

What do you guys think? I think that the price of the "cheapest" Rolex is too low, and almost anyone can afford one.

I think that Rolex should limit the amount of watches they produce per year, and that they should raise their prices again.

What do you guys think? Is Rolex exclusive?

Why would you advocate raising the price so not "anyone" can afford them? I would say that a small percentage of people worldwide can afford one now. I'm sorry, but I think that just sounds elitist.

I don't see my Rolex as a status symbol to show off my wealth to others by wearing an "exclusive" watch. It is a wonderfully crafted piece of machinery, but if we were all honest I think most on this forum would feel that they cost more than they should already.

If you want something exclusive and high priced get a Patek or an AP.

[ingoodtime]

Again, I say, purchased for cash or credit still doesn't matter, we still have to pay the price. How many people pay cash for their car be it new or preowned? And, those cars can range in price from low dollars to high dollars. The same as a Rolex. Only the wealthy need not budget like the rest of us and, if credit were abolished, the economy would vaporize. No, it was the greedy banks lending 125 % of the value of your home and creative motgages allowing people to buy way more home than they should have, market manipulators and lack of thought or legislation from the leaders in our nation that is causing our Country to implode. And, being an oil economy and having speculation on oil futures /attempting to manipulate the price doesn't help either. The good ole US has lost its way. But to me, Rolex is still an exculsive product, maybe less than some, more than others. But, still exclusive.

[buz-lh]

They can't be too exclusive if I have more than one.

[betrezra]

"They can't be too exclusive if I have more than one."

Well put. :)

A little humility goes a long LONG way in this world of inflated first impressions and superficial wizzing contests :)

From where I come from (depression era mentality) they are exclusive, but that's not the huge attraction for me.

I see this same theme across other Luxury brand forums I belong too.....

corvette forum had a post a while back about how it seems the Z06 is not exclusive anymore since the prices of a used C5 dropped to a level where regular guys could get one used.......

viper forum same subject.....

and P-car forum same thing about the dropping price of the 996 turbo..... I want a White 996 TT when I can find a <30K miles version for $45K :).....

If you're upset that a regular chap has the same watch on as you, I say maybe you're not doing as well as you thought and maybe you should work harder to buy the more expensive brand (if you're insecure about it).

A very close friend of mine who has done very well for himself (very very well)..... told me a long time ago - No matter how well off or rich or fancy your think you are.... there is always someone else with more stuff. That's a losing race.

Find out what you like and go for it...... but don't complain if another person get's one too :)

Long winded 2cents :)

[buz-lh]

Well said Betrezra.

[VtailFlyer]

Originally Posted by buz-lh

Well said Betrezra.

Indeed.

[topcat30093]

IMO
25-30 years ago Rolex was exclusive.
But not anymore.